1.21.22
Dates To Remember
January
Mon, 24 - NO SCHOOL

February
Fri, 4 - Classroom Basket Donations Due
Mon, 7 - Middle School Open House, 5:30-7:00
Tues, 8 - Dine for Cushing: Panera, 4:00-8:00
Wed, 9 - Middle School Open House, 5:30-7:00
Fri, 11 - Winter Carnival, 5:30-8:00pm
Fri, 18 - NO SCHOOL
Mon, 21 - NO SCHOOL
Fri, 25 - Science Day
Quick Links
Message from Mrs. Rach
Earlier this month I shared an update with you about our school goal. Part of our work as a school has included working with educators across the world in an academy called What Schools Could Be. There are eight Cushing staff who are participating in this academy where we collaborate virtually and consider shifts we might make towards deeper learning and learner agency. When a student has a sense of agency, they feel like they have the ability and will to positively influence their own lives and world around them.  
 
Part of our recent work alongside Cushing’s School Leadership Team has been around redesigning Spring Conferences to be more student-directed. In the Spring, we plan on hosting school-wide, student-led conferences rather than traditional parent-teacher conferences. Research shows that involving learners in the conferring process encourages them to take responsibility and ownership for their learning while involving them in the goal-setting and assessment process. We also know that student-led conferences deepen the connection between families and school while having rich conversations about student progress. Connection with families and our learners is so important to us! Keep an eye out for more details on Spring student-led conferences in coming E.Messenger communications.
Cushing News & Announcements
Design Lab: Parent & Grandparent Volunteers Needed
Our Design Lab will now be open on a regular basis and we could use your help! 
It is a place for students to create, design, build, play, and collaborate. Students may choose from a number of activities, including building with the Rigamajig, kinetic sand, wooden blocks, Legos, Make & Take, and more!  

In order to make this possible, we are looking for parent or grandparent volunteers to supervise and help students. Days and times are: 
If you are able to volunteer for any amount of time, please fill out this survey.  

Design Lab: Supplies Needed
We gladly accept donations for the Design Lab. Items needed can be brought in anytime and put in/near the Design Lab bin in the front lobby.
  • Small plastic containers
  • Small cardboard boxes (cereal, shoe, etc)
  • Masking Tape
  • Kinetic Sand
 
Kids Heart Challenge Week - Save the Date: February 7-11
Cushing Stars will begin their JUMP ROPE training next week in preparation for this year's KHC Event!
 
Captain KHC will lead you through this year's challenge:
  • Finn’s Mission to learn – Hands-Only CPR and Signs of a Stroke
  • Family “Move More” challenges
  • Virtual reality field trips
  • And so much more…

If you want to sign-up early, It’s as EASY as 1… 2… 3…
Click on our School link today: http://www2.heart.org/goto/CushingDelafield

Meet Our Staff!
HERE is our latest Minute to Meet the staff video featuring Mrs. Johnson!
Fifth Grade Families: Message from the Middle School
It’s time to start thinking about middle school! To get things started, check out our video welcoming you to our school community!  
 
Some important events are happening in the coming weeks:  
  • The week of January 24th, middle school counselors will be visiting with 5th graders about the choices they have for their middle school learning. They will bring along KMMS students to help, including graduates from the elementary school visited.  
 
  • Please join us for one of our two Middle School Information Nights in early February. Choose the date that works for you, as each night will feature the same information:  

  • Monday, February 7th @ 5:30 p.m.    
  • Wednesday, February 9th @ 5:30 p.m. 

The Information Night will include a presentation in our gym at 5:30 about learning environments and course options for our students. After the presentation, you will have time to connect with teachers in the 6th Grade or Create to ask them about their work with 6th graders. The night will conclude by 7 p.m.

  • In addition to these evening opportunities, there will be three optional days available for you to visit the middle school during the school day (with or without your child). These dates are: 

  • Friday, February 10th
  • Tuesday, February 14th 
  • Wednesday, February 16th  

These sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. Please RSVP to attend one of those sessions during the Information Night, or email Middle School Office Assistant Lisa Peterson at petersonl@kmsd.edu to register. 

KM Connect Virtual Academy for Communication & Collaboration is a new school choice for your incoming 6th grader. For information about KM Connect:  
  • Visit the KM Connect Website and FAQs
  • Meet KM Connect representatives at both KMMS Information Nights (2/7, 9) 
  • Attend an upcoming KM Connect information session on 1/26, 2/21, 3/30 and 4/21 (Google meet at 5:00 and in person 6:30 @ the KMHS campus library)
  • Contact Director Eric Anderson directly at andersoe@kmsd.edu
 
In the coming days and weeks, forms, dates, and registration information can all be found at www.kmsd.edu/msreg.  

Questions? Contact the middle school at (262) 965-6500 or email Principal Comiskey at comiskem@kmsd.edu.
Fifth Grade Families: Visiting the Middle School During the School Day
If you will be visiting the Middle School during the school day WITH your student, PLEASE let Mrs. Mirek know what morning you will be there. It will help when attendance is taken. Don’t Worry - this will NOT be counted as an Absence or Tardy.  If your student will need a HOT LUNCH that day, please let us know what option, too. Thank you!
 
4th & 5th Grade Families: Wisconsin Concert - March 11 
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 11! The fourth and fifth graders have just started to work on their concert songs. CLICK HERE for details and to answer a few questions. Thank you!

Clothes Donations
Thank you to those who have donated clothing to our Health Room! We have enough extras right now, so your donations are no longer needed. 
Health Room News
Covid Testing
Home Tests are not accepted for the return to school. All tests must be PCR tests from a test center (ex. Summit Clinical Labs) or health care provider.
Friday Funny
Where does a snowman keep his money?
(Keep scrolling down for the answer)
Cushing PTO
Dine for Cushing: Panera - February 8th
Winter Carnival - Friday February 11th, 5:30 - 8:00pm
Mark your Calendar for the Cushing Winter Carnival: Go For The Gold

Join us at the Carnival!
Bring the family and enjoy FREE carnival games, balloon animals, the always popular classroom basket raffle! Come for dinner and enjoy food from local vendors including Rocky Rococo’s and Mazatlan!

Classroom Basket Donations Due by Friday, February 4th! 
Each Classroom has chosen a theme for the Winter Carnival Basket Raffle. Check out the list and consider donating an item to fill your classroom basket. Click here to view the basket themes. All Classroom baskets will be raffled off the night of the carnival (you do not need to be present to win).  

NEW this YEAR - Family Themed Baskets for Silent Auction, raising money for the Cushing classroom furniture upgrades and a projector system. If interested in donating please contact Nicole Adams (nicole.anetra@gmail.com). You can also donate directly using this link: http://kmsd.edu/Cushingcarnival.

Calling All Volunteers! 
We can’t have this amazing event without your support, help is needed serving pizza, prize redemption and much more! Sign up today by clicking here.
Friday Funny: Punch Line
In a snowbank.
Community Education
KM Community Education provides recreational and educational opportunities for families. Please be sure to visit the website often for updates and new programs. For program information and registration forms, visit www.kmsd.edu/communityed.

Aerobicise! - Aerobics
Need that extra push to get started on an exercise program? Make it easy by joining the longest running aerobics class in the Lake Country area. For over 30 years we’ve been getting this community into shape and making friends at the same time. We’ve perfected our routines so they work for anyone of any age or fitness level. Work at your own pace with easy to follow steps set to a wide variety of the music you love. Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm. Registration is online at https://kmsd.revtrak.net/rwcommunityeducation/
 
After School Chess Club
Develop your child’s intellect through the royal game of chess! Current research has shown a strong link between chess and academic performance in a variety of areas, including mathematics and language arts. Also, chess has been proven to enhance children’s motivation, concentration, focus, social skills, and creativity. Open to grades K-5.
No previous knowledge of chess is necessary. Registration details available at https://kmsd.revtrak.net/rwcommunityeducation/
 
Co-Ed Recreational Volleyball - Grades 4-8
Friday night youth volleyball league registration is now open. League play begins March 11 and runs through May 13 at KM High School. Registration deadline is Feb. 19. Register online at https://kmsd.revtrak.net/rwcommunityeducation/
  
Camp Invention
Summer 2022 Camp Invention will be offered at KM. Students in grades 1-6 will enjoy a week of STEM fun, building and creating. During this dynamic, high-energy program, young innovators will:
 
  • Dive into cutting-edge ocean research as they adopt their own robotic fish, design and patent aquatic plants, and take their fish friend home in a mini tank.

  • Discover real space exploration technology when they create Spacepacks and AstroArm devices, mine an asteroid and observe erupting ice volcanoes.

  • Combine science and art to build their own robotic artist, engage in design thinking, make spin art and learn how inventions can change the way people create.

  • Experiment with the fun of physics, engineering and gaming as they design, build and test their own mega marble arcades.
 
Early registration discounts available! Register using SUM35 by 02/16 to save $35 off the $270 registration fee.
 
Availability is limited, so visit invent.org/mylocalcamp or call 800-968-4332 to secure your child’s spot today!
 
KM Lacrosse
A New Year, A New Website, A New Season
Registration for spring lacrosse is now open for students in grades 3-12. Register Online at www.kmlacrosse.com

FREE KM GIRLS LACROSSE TRY IT CLINIC 
For Girls Grades 3-8
February 15, 2022 5:30-7p at Wales Elementary 
Please join us for a try it clinic before the Spring season starts. Learn the game rules, positions, and the fundamentals of passing and catching. This free clinic is for new players. Coaches will introduce the game in a fun & interactive manner. Equipment is provided for use during the clinic. Please have your child wear athletic clothing, sneakers, and bring a water bottle & mouth guard. Signed waiver will be provided at sign in. Limited space - first come first serve - Call or text Heather at 414-380-0040 to reserve your spot.
Community Events and Flyers
Events/opportunities listed on our Community Flyers page are not endorsed by the Kettle Moraine School District. They have been approved for electronic sharing. Visit www.kmsd.edu/communityflyers to see the full list of current flyers.
227 Genesee Street | Delafield, WI 53018 | 262-646-6700